Zoos

To run a zoo in East Dunbartonshire you need a licence from the Council.

At least two months before you apply for a licence, the applicant must give notice in writing (including by electronic means) to the Council of their intention to make the application. The notice must identify:

the zoo's location

the types of animals and approximate number of each group kept for exhibition on the premises and the arrangements for their accommodation, maintenance and wellbeing

the approximate numbers and categories of staff to be employed in the zoo

the approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles for which accommodation is to be provided

the approximate number and position of access to be provided to the premises

how required conservation measures will be implemented at the zoo

At least two months before making the application, the applicant must also publish notice of that intention in one local newspaper and one national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice. The notice must identify the location of the zoo and state that the application notice to the Council is available to be inspected at the Council offices. Two months after the notification you can apply.

Before completing the Licence application you must also contact the Council's Planning Department to obtain planning consent. Full details of your proposal should be forwarded to:

In return you will be sent a Planning Application Form. The approved planning consent should be attached to your Licence application.

Fees

The fees involved will include the standard annual animal welfare licensing fee (currently £100) and will also include the cost to the Council in using the services of a government approved veterinary surgeon. Prior to submitting your application please contact Community Protection by email or through Customer Services for further information regarding fees.

Regulation Summary

Application Evaluation Process

When considering an application the local authority shall take into account any representations made by or on behalf of:

the applicant

the chief constable in the relevant area

the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing authority or relevant authority in whose area the zoo will be situated

the governing body of any national institution concerned with the operation of zoos

where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of the local authority with power to grant the licence, a planning authority for the cross boundary area in which it is situated is also required.

any person alleging that the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living in the neighbourhood

anyone stating that the zoo would affect the health or safety of anyone living near it

any other person whose representations might show grounds on which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence

Before granting or refusing to grant the licence, the Council shall consider any inspectors' reports based on their inspection of the zoo, consult the applicant about any conditions they propose should be attached to the licence and make arrangements for an inspection to be carried out. At least 28 days notice of the inspection shall be provided by the Council.

The Council will not grant the licence if they feel that the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of people living in near it, or seriously affect the preservation of law and order or if they are not satisfied that appropriate conservation measures would be satisfactorily implemented.

An application may also be refused if:

the Council are not satisfied that accommodation, staffing or management standards are suitable for the proper care and wellbeing of the animals or for the proper conduct of the zoo

the applicant, or if the applicant is an incorporated company, the company or any of the company's directors, managers, secretaries or other similar officers, or a keeper in the zoo, has been convicted of any offence involving the ill-treatment of animals

Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than six months before the expiry of the existing licence, unless a shorter time period is allowed by the Council.

The Secretary of State, after consulting the Council, may direct them to attach one or more conditions to a licence.

The Council may advise the Secretary of State that, because of the small number of animals kept in the zoo or the small number of the kinds of animal kept there, a direction should be made that a licence is not required.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact Customer Services.

Apply for a licence to operate a zoo

Application Redress

Failed Application RedressPlease contact the Council in the first instance.

If the applicant is refused a licence, they may appeal to the local Sheriff Court within 28 days from the date on which the applicant receives written notification of the refusal.

Licence Holder RedressPlease contact the Council in the first instance.

A licence holder may appeal to the local Sheriff Court against:

any condition attached to a licence or any variation or cancellation of a condition

the refusal to approve the transfer of a licence

a zoo closure direction

enforcement steps relating to any unmet condition

The appeal must be brought within 28 days from the date on which the licence holder receives written notification of the authority's decision as to the relevant matter.

Other RedressThe Council's Environmental Health or Planning Services may investigate other complaints concerning this application.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice Bureau will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Any person who wishes to appeal against a decision to close a zoo may apply to the local Sheriff Court. Appeals must be made within 28 days of the notice of the local authority decision.

Application to change a Zoo Licence

To change the animal stock, or increase the size of a zoo in East Dunbartonshire, you need to apply for a licence from the Council.

If you increase the size of a zoo, or erect additional buildings within the curtilage of the zoo you will require planning permission. Before completing an application form you are advised to contact the Council's Planning Department by email for details of the fee for the required planning permission.

Fees

Please contact East Dunbartonshire Council, Housing and Community Services on 0141 578 8813 for details of the fee to be charged.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact 0300 123 4510.

Apply to change a Zoo Licence

Application to renew a Zoo Licence

Licence summaryIf you are already licensed by the authority and wish to renew your licence, please complete the relevant form.

FeesThe fees involved will include the standard annual animal welfare licensing fee (currently £100) and will also include the cost to the Council in using the services of a government approved veterinary surgeon. Prior to submitting your application please contact Community Protection by email or telephone 0141 578 8813 for further information regarding fees.

Will tacit consent apply?No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact Customer Services.